I'll warn you in advance that this post is fueled entirely by speculation, my own hopes and dreams, and possibly too much Jalopnik-brand Brefass Scotch-infused eggnog. But it's a follow-up to last week's news that Alfa Romeo is doing their own roadster while Fiat will do theirs with the 2016 Mazda Miata platform.
Autoguide reports that Fiat recently filed two trademark applications with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office: one for the Fiat 124, and one for the Fiat 124 Spider. We've always assumed the Miata-based Fiat roadster would use the famed Spider name, but what could that mean for the name 124?
The original convertible Fiat 124 Spider was derived from a sedan and 2+2 coupe. And Autoguide thinks Fiat's filings indicate that they plan to offer a version of the new sports car in both coupe and convertible body styles.
Put it all together and the question becomes this: Could Fiat build the Miata coupe we've always wanted? We've also heard Mazda is planning a fastback coupe version of the next Miata too, but there's nothing concrete or official on that yet. If Mazda does it, it does stand to reason that Fiat will too for their version.
At present, we have no clue, nor any solid information to indicate that a Fiat 124 coupe could happen. I tend to not put much stock into patent filings for names, either, as those don't always translate into actual products.
But it would be wonderful for Americans to finally get the fixed-roof coupe version of the Miata that has eluded us for so long, whether it's a Mazda Miata or a Fiat 124.